OCTOBER 23, 2021
By Andre Avanessian
Overall Impression:
Combining elements of classic rock, punk, and alternative styles, "3 & 1/2 Minutes" is an incredibly fun and energy-fueled frenzy of hard-hitting riffs, blistering lead guitar work, and attitude-infused vocals that revels in its sheer sense of fun and undeniable free-spirited nature. Carry-On Band is clearly having a whale of a time with this track, and the brilliant high-octane performances reflect that point marvelously. This is a band clearly loving what they do and you can feel that positive energy bursting through the solid songwriting.
Strongest Point(s):
I'll be honest and say when the lyrics began rolling, I smile quickly swept across my face, not only are they humorous but they contain a great playfulness to them that makes them just plain fun to listen to. There is a time and a place for deep themes and lyrical potency just like there is a time to let one's hair down and just go wild, "3 & 1/2 Minutes" is very clearly meant to fit into the latter category, and it's a rip-rollicking good time because of it. It's great to hear a band just having a pure blast writing and playing music that is unapologetically down to earth, aiming to simply sweep you up into its whirlwind of unbridled energy, catchy riffs, and animated performances. Carry-On Band knows exactly what type of band they are and what they are wanting to achieve with their music, and having grown up listening to riff-heavy music such as this, I salute them.
About The Reviewer:
Andre Avanessian is a freelance session musician, composer, and sound engineer based in the U.K. Having studied music production and composition at a degree level, he has taken his passion for all things audio-related to a level that has allowed him to become both a competent musician and performer. Being a self-confessed "Guitar Nerd" Andre has been continually studying the guitar, as well as teaching it, helping students both learn the instrument, develop their songwriting, and how to become proficient in home recording.